GCI district pastor Larry Hinkle, reports that Odyssey in Christ recently completed a spiritual renewal retreats in Florida. The two videos embedded below are testimonials from retreat participants. Following the videos are comments from retreat co-leaders Charles and Carmen Fleming.
Charles Fleming commented: “I have always valued and made an effort to practice the basic spiritual disciplines of prayer and Bible reading, but involvement in this spiritual retreat ministry has exposed me to a range of additional formational exercises that are greatly enriching my own walk with God. And then there is the joy of seeing retreat participants experience a greater intimacy with Christ as they take time to use different formational exercises to position themselves in his presence. As the testimonials express, individuals are impacted in many and varied ways that transform and heal. Perhaps my favorite comments revolve around the themes of experiencing God personally and of growing to a greater awareness of personal value and significance.”
Carmen Fleming commented: “In the past I have discovered the value of spiritual formation practices and have a longing for others to experience their great value as well. In preparation for leading the retreats, I have discovered many more spiritual formation exercises. It has been a joy to discover them and through them position myself to experience a deeper communion with God. This has given me more stability and health spiritually, physically and emotionally, though outward circumstances may not change. It is a thrill to listen to the comments of participants in our interactive sessions, as they experience what it feels like to get away from their busy schedules, many distractions and anxieties and position themselves to know God better and experience him more deeply. God meets us there.
